The 3rd generation of Sugimoto Tea Company, Kyohei Sugimoto dreamed of being a teacher until he visited Seattle with his father at 22. During the trip, he was shocked to realize that the green tea he took for granted in Japan was nowhere to be found. This radically changed his awareness of the importance of quality green tea, a beverage not only good for health, but also good for the soul. Upon returning to Japan, he began coursework and became a Certified Tea Adviser. Finally, after deciding with his father that the company should introduce authentic Japanese green tea to the American public as an element of a quality lifestyle, he expanded the family business overseas.